How to Increase the Water Pressure in Your Shower

Many people look forward to taking a nice, hot shower first thing in the morning or at the end of a long day. But it’s not only hot water that makes a shower great—you also need ample water pressure.

If your water pressure is low, it can dampen the experience and even make it unpleasant. From checking the common culprits to fixing any issues, there’s a good chance you can take care of your problem with a DIY fix or with the help of a local plumber.

Why Do I Have Low Water Pressure in My Shower?

Having a shower with low water pressure can be a bit of a downer, especially if you recently invested in a new bathroom remodel. There are a few potential reasons for low water pressure, ranging from a simple fix like a low-flow showerhead that needs replacing to something complex like old pipes with leaks and corrosion.

Other culprits can include a clogged showerhead, a valve that was closed by accident, a faulty shower mixing valve, or a failing water pressure regulator. The mixing valve is responsible for blending the hot and cold water, while the water pressure regulator helps you set the water pressure for the home. If either is failing, you’ll experience low water pressure in your shower.

Finally, if you notice that your water pressure is only affected when using hot water, there could be an issue with your water heater.

How to Test the Water Pressure in Your Shower

To confirm that you’re dealing with low water pressure, you can use a water gauge and make sure that it’s between 40 and 60 PSI. Otherwise, you can place a 1-liter container under the showerhead. Turn the water on, and use a stopwatch to see how long it takes for the water to fill the container. You have low water pressure if it takes longer than six seconds.

How to Increase the Water Pressure in Your Shower

If you’ve gotten tired of the slow dripping from your showerhead, there are many ways to get to the bottom of the problem. It might be a simple fix, or you might be looking at a big plumbing project.

Check the Valves

A good way to troubleshoot the low water pressure is by checking the water valves and ensuring they’re fully open. If your whole house has low water pressure, start with the main water supply valve, and then work your way to your shower’s cold and hot water valves.

While checking on the main water supply valve, look for a water pressure regulator. It looks like a cone. You should turn it clockwise to allow more water to flow.

Clean the Showerhead

Cleaning your showerhead is a surefire way to help the water pressure, especially if there's visible sediment build-up on it.

If you can remove the showerhead, it’ll be easier to clean. Clean this tricky spot by scrubbing the outside and inside with a toothbrush, and clean the rubber or silicone nozzle. Soak the showerhead in vinegar if you have stubborn build-up because it will loosen any sediment or lime scaling.

If you can’t remove your showerhead, you can still clean the unit by filling a bag with vinegar. You can tape the bag to the showerhead and let it soak for several hours.

Install a High-Pressure Showerhead

Changing your showerhead is an easy bathroom upgrade, plus it will likely solve your water pressure problem. If you don’t have any plumbing issues in your home, a high-pressure showerhead can provide the solution you need.

However, be aware that higher pressure means more water usage, which could increase the cost of your water bill. If you opt for a luxury showerhead, you may need to install a new shower pump for it to function correctly.

Replace the Shower Hose

If your shower hose is old and outdated, then installing a new one might help resolve your water pressure issue. Over time, sediment can settle in the hose, causing clogs and water slowdowns.

You can expect to pay $5 to $15 for a replacement shower hose, and it’s relatively easy to install the new one yourself. Start by disconnecting the current hose from the showerhead, with towels underneath it to catch any water that drips out. Then, disconnect the hose from the shower or wall outlet, and fit the new hose in its place.

Check for Leaks

If leaks are hiding anywhere in your home’s plumbing system, you’re likely to suffer from low water pressure.

In particular, if you live in an older home with plumbing issues, it may have galvanized pipes. These are no longer used in new construction homes because corrosion and rust from galvanized pipes can cause leaks, blockages, and the rust can leach into the water supply. In these instances, it’s best if you replace all of the pipes, not just to avoid leaks but also for your health and wellness.

Check for leaks on the water supply line to the shower, and also check for leaks on the main water supply.

Install a New Shower Pump

If the water pressure problem is not due to leaks or a bad showerhead, the best option may be to install a new shower pump. Shower pumps increase the water pressure so you can enjoy powerful streams of water in the shower.

Since replacing your shower pump involves removing electrical wires and water connections, we recommend hiring a professional plumber near you to handle this project. 

Install a Water Pressure Booster

If you’re wondering how a water pressure booster works, it’s surprisingly simple. The pump pushes the water through the pipes faster using spinning propellers or oscillating diaphragms. The booster connects to the main water line and can increase your pressure by as much as 70 pounds. Before investing in a water pressure booster, you should rule out all other common plumbing problems to ensure it’s the right solution for your home.

Tips for Preventing Low Water Pressure in Your Shower

You can take many steps to prevent low water pressure issues in your shower. An essential step is to clean your showerhead once a month. It'll not only help with your water pressure, but it’s also healthier for you. A regular cleaning schedule means you’ll never have a buildup of sediment, bacteria, or mold in your shower.

Secondly, you should have a pro complete a plumbing inspection every two years. Scheduling a regular inspection means that your plumber will catch any small problems before they become major issues, and you can be sure that your home is free of leaks.

DIY vs. Hire a Pro

When troubleshooting your shower’s water pressure, it’s best to start with the DIY options that allow you to fix it easily and quickly. However, if you’ve exhausted all the DIY options and still haven’t figured out the root cause, you may be better off hiring a plumber.

Some solutions are best left to a professional, including installing a shower pump or a water pressure booster. Unless you have plumbing experience, it’s best to bring in a pro to get the job done right. Keep in mind that a qualified plumber will typically charge $45 to $200 per hour or more, depending on the size and scale of the project.